Probe, electric scalpel, robot hand, robot arm, and robot

Abstract

To provide a probe and an electric knife capable of using a plurality of electrodes in a state where the probe remains to be inserted in the body of a patient.SOLUTION: A probe (10) of an electric knife (1) includes: first electrodes (active electrodes 14, 17); a cylinder (19) for storing the active electrodes (14, 17); a second electrode (electrode 20) provided at a tip of the cylinder (19); and a switching mechanism (21) for switching between a first state (states of (a) and (c)) where the active electrodes (14, 17) are protruding further than the second electrode (electrode 20), and a second state (state of (b)) where the active electrodes (14, 17) are stored in the cylinder (19) and the second electrode (electrode 20). The active electrodes (14, 17) and the second electrode (electrode 20) are in a state of electricity conduction in the second state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a probe for an electric scalpel equipped with an active electrode, and also to an electric scalpel, a robot hand, a robot arm, and a robot equipped with such a probe. [Background technology]

[0002] In laparoscopic surgery, which is performed by inserting a laparoscope, which is a type of endoscope, into the abdominal cavity, an electric scalpel having an active electrode at the tip of a probe is used. In such an electric scalpel, by passing electricity through the active electrode, it is possible to incise an affected area and perform hemostasis on the incised affected area. Such an electric scalpel is described, for example, in Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2. Non-Patent Document 1 also describes a probe that includes an active electrode and a tube that stores the active electrode, and the active electrode can be stored in the tube.

[0003] Such electric scalpels are used in thoracoscopic surgery in addition to laparoscopic surgery. Furthermore, such electric scalpels are also used in surgical procedures using endoscopes, including laparoscopes and thoracoscopes. Hereinafter, surgical procedures using endoscopes will also be referred to as endoscopic surgery. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] [online], Medtronic, [Retrieved September 19, 2023], Internet〈URL:https: / / www.medtronic.com / covidien / en-us / products / electrosurgical-instruments / laparoscopic-instruments.html〉 [Non-patent document 2] [online], Johnson & Johnson Co., Ltd., [Retrieved September 19, 2023], Internet〈URL:https: / / www.jnjmedtech.com / en-US / product / endopath-electrosurgery-probe-plus-ii-system〉 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When an electric scalpel is used in endoscopic surgery, the shape of the active electrode used for incising or resecting the affected area is often different from the shape of the active electrode used for stopping the bleeding at the affected area. This is because when incising or resecting the affected area, an active electrode shape with a small surface area at the tip that locally emits electrical energy tends to be preferred, while when stopping the bleeding at the affected area, an active electrode shape with a large surface area at the tip that widely emits electrical energy tends to be preferred.

[0006] However, in the electric scalpels described in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is not possible to replace the probe while the active electrode remains inserted inside the patient's body (e.g., the abdominal cavity). Therefore, for example, if a surgeon wants to stop bleeding after incising an affected area, he must (1) pull out the probe from the patient's body, (2) replace the probe equipped with an active electrode suitable for incision with a probe equipped with an active electrode suitable for stopping bleeding, and (3) reinsert the probe into the patient's body. However, this operation naturally takes time. Furthermore, if a surgeon wants to make another incision after stopping bleeding, it also takes time.

[0007] Surgeons want to shorten the time required for surgery, and therefore want to shorten the time required to select an active electrode in a probe and an electrosurgical knife.

[0008] In addition, in contrast to endoscopic surgery, in which a surgeon directly performs surgery on a patient, robotic surgery is known, in which a surgeon remotely controls a surgical robot located near the patient and the robot performs surgery. The desire to shorten the time required for the above-mentioned surgery is common to both endoscopic surgery and robotic surgery. Therefore, like surgeons in endoscopic surgery, surgeons in robotic surgery also want to shorten the time required to select active electrodes.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a probe and an electric scalpel that can selectively use multiple electrodes while the probe remains inserted into the patient's body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a probe according to a first aspect of the present invention is an electric scalpel probe, and comprises a first electrode which is one or more active electrodes, an insulating tube which stores the active electrodes, a second electrode which has a surface area larger than that of the active electrode and is provided at the tip of the tube, and a switching mechanism which switches between a first state in which the first electrode protrudes from the second electrode and a second state in which the first electrode is stored in the tube and the second electrode, and is configured so that the first electrode and the second electrode are insulated in the first state and are conductive in the second state.

[0011] The probe configured as described above can be switched using a switching mechanism between a first state in which the first electrode protrudes beyond the second electrode and a second state in which the first electrode is retracted into the tube and the second electrode. In this second state, the second electrode protrudes beyond the first electrode and is electrically connected to the first electrode. Therefore, in the second state, the surgeon can use the second electrode in the same way as an active electrode.

[0012] As described above, when using this probe, the surgeon can select either the first electrode or the second electrode to apply electrical energy to the affected area simply by operating the switching mechanism. Therefore, this probe can use multiple electrodes while remaining inserted into the patient's body.

[0013] Surgeons have a desire to be able to select and use multiple active electrodes without having to remove and replace the probe from the patient's body. This is because surgeons are concerned about the possibility of increased bleeding from the affected area while changing probes, and they also want to shorten the time required for surgery to reduce the physical burden on the patient. This probe allows multiple electrodes to be used while remaining inserted in the patient's body, which has the secondary effect of shortening the time required for surgery.

[0014] Furthermore, in the probe according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the probe according to the first aspect described above, a configuration is adopted in which the surface area of ​​the portion of the second electrode that protrudes beyond the tip of the tube is larger than the surface area of ​​the active electrode.

[0015] Electrodes with a relatively small surface area are suitable for procedures such as incision and resection because they can concentrate electrical energy and apply it to the affected area, while electrodes with a relatively large surface area are suitable for hemostasis because they can simultaneously apply electrical energy to a wide area.

[0016] With the above configuration, the surgeon can selectively use the active electrode, which has a relatively small surface area, and the second electrode, which has a relatively large surface area, while the probe remains inserted into the patient's body. This allows the surgeon to shorten the time it takes to transition from procedures such as incision or resection to hemostasis, thereby shortening the time required for endoscopic surgery. This, in turn, reduces bleeding from the affected area and alleviates the physical strain on the patient.

[0017] Furthermore, in a probe according to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the probe according to the first or second aspect described above, the first electrode is composed of a plurality of active electrodes, and the switching mechanism, in the first state, selects one active electrode from the plurality of active electrodes and causes the selected active electrode to protrude from the tube and the second electrode.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the probe is equipped with multiple active electrodes, making it possible to perform a wide range of treatments without having to remove the probe from the patient's body, thereby further shortening the time required for endoscopic surgery.

[0019] Furthermore, in a probe according to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the probe according to the first or second aspect described above, the first electrode is constituted by a first active electrode and a second active electrode, and further includes a first conductor tube having the first active electrode provided at its tip in a conductive state, and a second conductor tube having the second active electrode provided at its tip in a conductive state and conductive with the first conductor tube, the second conductor tube being arranged coaxially with the first conductor tube, and the cylinder is coaxial with the first conductor tube and the second conductor tube, and is arranged outside the first conductor tube and the second conductor tube, and when the switching mechanism switches between the first state and the second state, The positions of the first conductor tube and the first active electrode are fixed, and the switching mechanism translates the tube and the second electrode when switching to the second state so that the second active electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected; translates the second active electrode, the tube, and the second electrode when switching to the first state in which the first active electrode protrudes from the second electrode so that the second active electrode and the second electrode are not electrically connected; and translates the tube and the second electrode when switching to the first state in which the second active electrode protrudes from the second electrode so that the first active electrode and the second electrode are not electrically connected.

[0020] According to the above configuration, in the first state, it is possible to select one of the two active electrodes (the first active electrode and the second active electrode), and it is also possible to select the second state. In this way, since the present probe is provided with a plurality of active electrodes, it is possible to handle a wide range of treatments without withdrawing the probe from the patient's body, and ultimately it is possible to further shorten the time required for endoscopic surgery.

[0021] Furthermore, in a probe according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the probe according to the fourth aspect described above, a configuration is adopted in which each of the first conductor tube, the second conductor tube, and the cylinder is a pipe that passes through from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the first and second conductor tubes, and the cylinder, which are arranged coaxially, are through pipes, and the cylinder is arranged outside the first and second conductor tubes. Therefore, the internal space of the conductor tube that is arranged inside the first or second conductor tube can be used to suction fluids such as blood and solids such as tissue from within the patient's body, deliver water into the body to cleanse the affected area, and exhaust gases, smoke, etc. that have accumulated within the body. Therefore, this probe can also be used in an electric scalpel equipped with at least one of the functions of suction, water delivery, and smoke exhaust.

[0023] Furthermore, in the probe according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the probe according to any one of the third to fifth aspects described above, a configuration is adopted in which each of the plurality of active electrodes has a different shape from the others.

[0024] According to the above configuration, the variety of active electrodes can be increased, so that a wide range of treatments can be performed without removing the probe from the patient's body.

[0025] Furthermore, in the probe according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the probe according to any one of the third to fifth aspects described above, a configuration is adopted in which each of the multiple active electrodes has the same shape.

[0026] According to the above configuration, since multiple active electrodes of the same shape are provided, even if a malfunction occurs in the active electrode being used, surgery can be continued without replacing the probe, thereby ensuring redundancy in the active electrodes.

[0027] Furthermore, in a probe according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the probe according to the first or second aspect described above, the first electrode is constituted by one active electrode, and further comprises a third conductor tube at the tip of which the active electrode is provided in a conductive state, the tube is coaxial with the third conductor tube and is disposed outside the third conductor tube, and when the switching mechanism switches between the first state and the second state, the positions of the third conductor tube and the active electrode are fixed, and the tube is one of the active electrodes. a short-circuit portion bent in a crank shape is provided in a portion of the section stored in the tube, and the second electrode includes a tip portion protruding from the tip of the tube and a base portion extending from the tip of the tube along the inner wall of the tube into the interior of the tube, and the switching mechanism is configured to translate the tube and the second electrode so that the short-circuit portion and the second electrode come into contact when switching to the second state, and to translate the tube and the second electrode so that the short-circuit portion and the second electrode are separated when switching to the first state.

[0028] Furthermore, in a probe according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the probe according to the first or second aspect described above, the first electrode is composed of a single active electrode, and further includes a third conductor tube at its tip, the active electrode being in a conductive state; the tube is coaxial with the third conductor tube and is arranged outside the third conductor tube; when the switching mechanism switches between the first state and the second state, the positions of the third conductor tube and the active electrode are fixed; a short-circuit portion is provided in a region including the tip of the active electrode, the short-circuit portion being bent so that the tip approaches a part of the second electrode; when switching to the second state, the switching mechanism translates the tube and the second electrode so that the short-circuit portion contacts the second electrode; and when switching to the first state, the switching mechanism translates the tube and the second electrode so that the short-circuit portion protrudes from the second electrode and the short-circuit portion is separated from the second electrode.

[0029] According to the probes of the eighth and ninth aspects, it is possible to selectively use a plurality of electrodes while the probe remains inserted into the patient's body.

[0030] Furthermore, in the probe according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the probe according to the eighth or ninth aspect described above, a configuration is adopted in which each of the third conductor tube and the cylinder is a pipe that passes through from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0031] According to the above configuration, the third conductor pipe and the cylinder, which are arranged coaxially, are through pipes, and the cylinder is arranged outside the third conductor pipe. Therefore, like the probe according to the fifth aspect described above, this probe can also be applied to an electric scalpel having at least one of a suction function, a water supply function, and a smoke exhaust function.

[0032] Furthermore, in a probe according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the probe according to any one of the first to tenth aspects described above, a configuration is adopted in which the second electrode is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the tube.

[0033] According to the above configuration, since the second electrode is annular, electrical energy can be applied in any direction around the axis of the tube using the second electrode, so the surgeon does not need to pay attention to the orientation of the probe when using the second electrode.

[0034] In order to solve the above problems, an electric scalpel according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes the probe according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects described above.

[0035] The electric scalpel configured as described above has the same effects as the probe according to any one of the aspects of the present invention.

[0036] In order to solve the above problems, a robot hand according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention includes the probe according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects described above.

[0037] In order to solve the above problems, a robot arm according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention includes the robot hand according to the thirteenth aspect described above.

[0038] In order to solve the above problems, a robot according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention includes the robot arm according to the fourteenth aspect described above.

[0039] The robot hand, robot arm, and robot configured as described above have the same effects as the probe according to any one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] According to the probe of one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to selectively use a plurality of electrodes while the probe is inserted into the patient's body. Furthermore, the electric scalpel, robot hand, robot arm, and robot according to one aspect of the present invention achieve the same effects as the probe of one aspect of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] (a) is a perspective view of an electric scalpel equipped with a probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and (b) and (c) are perspective views of the probe shown in (a). (a) shows a state in which the first active electrode protrudes from the tube and the second electrode, (b) shows a state in which the first active electrode and the second active electrode are housed in the tube, and (c) shows a state in which the second active electrode protrudes from the tube and the second electrode. [Figure 2] 2(a) is an exploded perspective view of the probe shown in Fig. 1, and (b) is an exploded cross-sectional view of the probe shown in Fig. 1. [Figure 3] 2(a) to 2(c) are side views of the probes shown in FIG. 1(a) to 2(c), respectively. [Figure 4] 2(a) to 2(c) are cross-sectional views of the probes shown in FIG. 1(a) to 2(c), respectively. [Figure 5] 2(a) to 2(c) are enlarged cross-sectional views of the probes shown in FIG. 1(a) to 2(c), respectively. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7(a) and 7(b) are enlarged cross-sectional views of the probe shown in Fig. 6. (a) shows the second state in which the active electrode is stored in the tube, and (b) shows the first state in which the active electrode protrudes from the tube. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of an active electrode that can be applied to a probe according to an aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] [Embodiment 1] A probe 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The probe 10 constitutes an electric scalpel 1 together with a grip 100. The electric scalpel 1 including the probe 10 is also one aspect of the present invention.

[0043] The probe 10 is designed to be attached to an electric scalpel 1 used in endoscopic surgery. However, a probe according to one aspect of the present invention can be applied not only to an electric scalpel used in endoscopic surgery but also to a surgical robot. That is, the proximal end of the probe according to one aspect of the probe 10 may be configured to be attachable to the grip of an electric scalpel or to a robot hand provided on a surgical robot. A robot hand equipped with a probe according to one aspect of the probe 10, a robot arm equipped with the robot hand, and a surgical robot equipped with the robot arm are also aspects of the present invention.

[0044] Furthermore, the probe 10 is designed for single use, that is, to be disposed of after use in one surgical procedure. However, the probe according to one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a single-use type, and may be designed for multiple use, that is, to be sterilized after each surgical procedure and then used repeatedly.

[0045] 1(a) is a perspective view of an electric scalpel 1 equipped with a probe 10, and FIG. 1(b) and FIG. 1(c) are perspective views of the probe 10. FIG. 1(a) shows a state in which the active electrode 14 (first active electrode) protrudes from a tube 19 and an electrode 20 (second electrode), FIG. 1(b) shows a state in which the active electrode 14 and an active electrode 17 (second active electrode) are housed in the tube, and FIG. 1(c) shows a state in which the active electrode 17 protrudes from the tube 19 and the electrode 20.

[0046] In the Cartesian coordinate system shown in FIG. 1(a), the direction parallel to the central axis of the probe 10 is defined as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, among the directions perpendicular to the central axis of the probe 10, the direction parallel to the vertical direction is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in this Cartesian coordinate system, the direction from the tip of the probe 10 toward the end on the proximal side (the end connected to the grip 100) is defined as the Z-axis positive direction, the vertically downward direction is defined as the X-axis positive direction, and the Y-axis positive direction is defined so as to form a left-handed Cartesian coordinate system together with the X-axis positive direction and the Z-axis positive direction. Furthermore, FIGS. 2 to 5 show the same Cartesian coordinate system as the Cartesian coordinate system shown in FIG. 1.

[0047] In the following description, the end of the probe 10 and the grip 100 on the positive z-axis side will also be referred to as the proximal end, and the end of the probe 10 and the grip 100 on the negative z-axis side will also be referred to as the distal end. The terms proximal end and distal end are determined based on the distance from the surgeon when using the electric scalpel 1, and are also used for the ends of members other than the probe 10 and the grip 100.

[0048] FIG. 2(a) is an exploded perspective view of the probe 10, and FIG. 2(b) is an exploded cross-sectional view of the probe 10. The exploded cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of the probe 10 taken along a longitudinal section. Here, the longitudinal section refers to a section including the central axis of the probe 10. FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of a longitudinal section parallel to the YZ plane. The term "longitudinal section" is also used for each component of the probe 10 for which a central axis can be defined. A cross section different from the longitudinal section is referred to as a "transverse section." Hereinafter, a "transverse section" refers to a section perpendicular to the central axis.

[0049] 3(a) to 3(c) are side views of the probe 10 shown in FIG. 1(a) to 1(c), respectively.

[0050] (a) to (c) of Figure 4 are cross-sectional views of the probe 10 shown in (a) to (c) of Figure 1, respectively. The cross-sectional views of (a) to (c) of Figure 4 are longitudinal cross-sections of the probe 10, and are cross-sectional views of longitudinal cross-sections parallel to the YZ plane.

[0051] Figures 5(a) to 5(c) are enlarged cross-sectional views of the probe 10 shown in Figure 1(a) to 1(c). The enlarged cross-sectional views of Figures 5(a) to 5(c) are enlarged cross-sectional views of the longitudinal section of the probe 10 (a section including the central axis of the probe 10) parallel to the YZ plane.

[0052] In surgical procedures (hereinafter also referred to as "endoscopic surgery") in which an endoscope is inserted from outside the patient's body into the body through an artificial opening in the patient's body, an electric scalpel equipped with a probe capable of applying electrical energy to an affected area is widely used to incise or resect the affected area. Furthermore, in endoscopic surgery, a surgical auxiliary instrument is used that has at least one of the following functions: a suction function for sucking excised tissue, blood, etc.; a water supply function for discharging saline or the like to wash the affected area; and a smoke exhaust function for exhausting smoke generated when the affected area is incised or resected. Some electric scalpels also have at least one of the suction function, water supply function, and smoke exhaust function.

[0053] The probe 10 will be described below using as an example an electric scalpel 1 that has a suction function, a water supply function, and a smoke exhaust function in addition to the function of an electric scalpel. Note that an electric scalpel according to one aspect of the present invention may be configured to omit one or more of the suction function, the water supply function, and the smoke exhaust function, as long as it is equipped with a probe that can apply electrical energy to an affected area.

[0054] Specific examples of endoscopes that can be used in conjunction with the electric scalpel 1 in endoscopic surgery include laparoscopes, thoracoscopes, hysteroscopes, ureteroscopes, thyroidoscopes, mammoscopes, and arthroscopes.

[0055] <Configuration of the electric scalpel> As shown in FIG. 1(a), the electric scalpel 1 includes a probe 10 and a grip 100. The proximal end of the probe 10 is attached to the distal end of the grip 100. The probe attached to the grip 100 is not limited to the probe 10, as long as the grip is configured such that its proximal end can be attached to the distal end of the grip 100. For example, the probe 30, which will be described later in a second embodiment, can also be attached to the grip 100.

[0056] The probe to be attached to the electric scalpel 1 can be selected appropriately depending on the type of treatment to be performed in surgery. By providing a wide variety of variations (modified examples) of the active electrode (also referred to as the first electrode) and electrode (also referred to as the second electrode) of the probe to be attached to the electric scalpel 1, the surgeon can have more options when selecting a probe suitable for the type of treatment. Modified examples of the active electrode will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0057] In this embodiment, a straight-type grip is used as the grip 100. A straight-type grip refers to a grip in which the axis of the part gripped by the surgeon is parallel to the central axis of the probe 10. In such a straight-type grip 100, the axis of the part gripped by the surgeon and the central axis of the probe 10 may be configured to be coaxial. However, the shape of the grip 100 is not limited to a straight type and can be determined as appropriate. An example of a shape of the grip 100 other than the straight type is a pistol type. A pistol-type grip refers to a grip in which the axis of the part gripped by the surgeon and the central axis of the probe 10 are not parallel (i.e., they intersect).

[0058] The electric scalpel 1 functions as an electric scalpel that applies electrical energy to an affected area via electrodes (active electrodes 14, 17 and electrode 20 in this embodiment) provided at the tip of the probe 10 to incise or excise the affected area. In addition, the electric scalpel 1 has the suction function, water supply function, and smoke exhaust function as described above.

[0059] One cable and three tubes are connected to the proximal end of the grip 100. The cable is a power cable including a power supply line that supplies electrical energy to be applied to the affected area by the probe 10. The three tubes are used for the suction function, water supply function, and smoke evacuation function, respectively, i.e., the suction tube, water supply tube, and smoke evacuation tube.

[0060] The grip 100 is also provided with a plurality of control buttons (four in this embodiment) for controlling the suction function, the water supply function, and the smoke exhaust function.

[0061] Functions other than the electric scalpel provided in the electric scalpel 1, the shape of the grip 100, the number and arrangement of control buttons provided on the grip 100, and the like can be determined as appropriate according to requirements for the electric scalpel 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, detailed explanations regarding these will be omitted.

[0062] <Probe configuration> The probe 10 includes two active electrodes 14, 17 (also referred to as first electrodes), an insulating tube 19 that houses the active electrodes 14, 17, an electrode 20 (also referred to as second electrode) provided at the tip 191 of the tube 19, and a switching mechanism 21. The switching mechanism 21 is configured to switch between a first state (see (a) and (c) of FIG. 1) in which either the active electrode 14 or the active electrode 17 protrudes from the electrode 20, and a second state (see (b) of FIG. 1) in which the active electrodes 14, 17 are housed in the tube 19 and the electrode 20. The active electrodes 14, 17 and the electrode 20 are configured to be insulated from each other in the first state and to be conductive in the second state.

[0063] Both active electrodes 14 and 17 are made of metal (stainless steel in this embodiment). When stainless steel is used as the metal, the type of stainless steel is not limited and can be selected from, for example, SUS304, SUS316, SUS416, etc. depending on the application. Since probe 10 is a single-use probe, relatively inexpensive SUS304 is preferable. Furthermore, if the probe is designed to be used multiple times, SUS316 is preferable. This also applies to conductor tubes 13 and 16 and electrode 20, which will be described later. Note that in a probe according to one aspect of the present invention, the number of active electrodes constituting the first electrode is not limited to two as described above. As in probe 30 according to embodiment 2, the number of active electrodes constituting the first electrode may be one or three or more.

[0064] The first electrode is a general term for an electrode to which power is supplied unconditionally when the function of the electric scalpel is turned on by operating the control button of the grip 100. That is, the first electrode is supplied with power regardless of whether it is in the first state or the second state. On the other hand, the second electrode is a general term for an electrode to which power is not supplied in the first state but is supplied only in the second state. Note that the conduction between the first electrode and the second electrode in the second state will be described later with reference to FIG. 5(b). In short, power is supplied to the electrode 20 in the second state by realizing a state in which the active electrode 17 and the electrode 20 are conductive.

[0065] The probe 10 further includes a heat shrink tube 15 (see FIG. 1(a)) and a heat shrink tube 18 (see FIG. 1(c)). The heat shrink tubes 15 and 18 are both made of insulating resin that shrinks when heated.

[0066] In the first state, the heat shrink tube 15 is arranged to cover a section S15 of the active electrode 14 that spans across the electrode 20 (see FIG. 5(a)). The current-carrying region 141, which includes the distal end of the active electrode 14, is not covered by the heat shrink tube 15, and therefore electrical energy can be applied to the affected area.

[0067] Similarly, in the first state, heat shrink tubing 18 is provided to cover section S18 of active electrode 17 that spans electrode 20 (see FIG. 5(c)). Each of heat shrink tubing 15, 18 is provided to insulate active electrodes 14, 17 from electrode 20 in the first state. Because current-carrying region 171 including the distal end of active electrode 17 is not covered by heat shrink tubing 18, electrical energy can be applied to the affected area.

[0068] In this embodiment, the surface area of ​​the portion of electrode 20 that protrudes beyond tip 191 is larger than the surface area of ​​each of active electrodes 14 and 17. Note that the surface area of ​​active electrode 14 here does not refer to the surface area of ​​the entire surface of active electrode 14, but refers to the surface area of ​​the exposed region of active electrode 14 (i.e., current-carrying region 141) in the first state shown in FIG. 5(a). Similarly, the surface area of ​​active electrode 17 does not refer to the surface area of ​​the entire surface of active electrode 17, but refers to the surface area of ​​the exposed region of active electrode 17 (i.e., current-carrying region 171) in the first state shown in FIG. 5(c).

[0069] As described above, in the probe 10, the first electrode is composed of two active electrodes 14, 17. Then, in the first state shown in FIG. 5(a), the switching mechanism 21 selects one active electrode 14 from the active electrodes 14, 17 and causes the active electrode 14 to protrude from the tube 19 and the electrode 20. In addition, in the first state shown in FIG. 5(c), the switching mechanism 21 selects one active electrode 17 from the active electrodes 14, 17 and causes the active electrode 17 to protrude from the tube 19 and the electrode 20.

[0070] In the probe 10, the first electrode is composed of two active electrodes 14 and 17. However, the first electrode may be composed of one active electrode as in the probe 30 described in the second embodiment, or may be composed of three or more active electrodes.

[0071] In addition, in the probe 10, the active electrodes 14 and 17 have the same shape. However, in one aspect of the present invention, the active electrodes 14 and 17 may have different shapes. Whether the shapes of the multiple active electrodes (here, the active electrodes 14 and 17) are the same or different can be designed as appropriate depending on whether emphasis is placed on variation or redundancy of the active electrodes.

[0072] In the probe 10, the electrode 20 has an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction of the cylinder 19 (that is, the central axis direction of the probe 10, which is the z-axis direction).

[0073] As described above in the overview of the probe, the probe 10 includes active electrodes 14 and 17, heat-shrinkable tubes 15 and 18, a tube 19, an electrode 20, and a switching mechanism 21 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, the probe 10 further includes a knurled click 11, a knurled cylinder 12, a conductor tube 13, and a conductor tube 16.

[0074] (Knurled cylinder and knurled click) The knurled cylinder 12 is a cylindrical member made of an insulator (resin in this embodiment) and is hollow except for the partition wall 125. The insulator (resin in this embodiment) constituting the knurled cylinder 12 is not limited and can be appropriately selected from resins known for medical use. Note that resins known for medical use can also be referred to as resins having biocompatibility. An example of such a resin is polycarbonate resin.

[0075] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the knurling cylinder 12 is annular. That is, the knurling cylinder 12 is a cylindrical member. However, the cross-sectional shape of the knurling cylinder 12 is not limited to annular and may be, for example, polygonal.

[0076] As shown in (b) of Figure 2, a partition wall 125 is formed in the internal space of the knurled cylinder 12, with its main surface parallel to a plane perpendicular to the central axis (the XY plane in the Cartesian coordinate system shown in Figure 2). As described above, the cross-sectional shape of the knurled cylinder 12 is annular, and therefore the cross-sectional shape of the internal space is circular on both the distal end side and the proximal end side of the partition wall 125. However, the cross-sectional shape of the internal space of the knurled cylinder 12 is not limited to a circular shape on both the distal end side and the proximal end side of the partition wall 125.

[0077] It is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the internal space on the proximal end side of the partition 125 is circular. Since the cross-sectional shape of the internal space on the proximal end side of the partition 125 is circular and the cross-sectional shape of the distal end of the grip 100, which is the distal end that fits with the knurled cylinder 12 and the knurled click 11 described later, is annular, the orientation of the probe 10 relative to the grip 100, that is, the orientation around the central axis of the probe 10, can be freely rotated. In other words, the orientation of the active electrodes 14, 17 can be freely rotated around the axes.

[0078] A section including the proximal end of the knurled cylinder 12 is provided with a knurled knob 121 having a larger outer diameter than the other parts of the knurled cylinder 12. In this embodiment, the proximal end of the knurled knob 121 is shaped like a gear having a larger outer diameter than the other parts of the knurled knob 121. This configuration makes it easier for the surgeon to rotate the knurled cylinder 12 around its axis.

[0079] A through-hole 1251 is formed in the center of the partition wall 125. The through-hole 1251 is a through-hole through which the conductor tube 13 passes.

[0080] The knurled cylinder 12 and the conductor tube 13 passing through the through hole 1251 are joined using the knurled click 11. The knurled click 11 is a cylindrical member made of an insulator (resin in this embodiment) and is a hollow cylindrical member. However, the knurled click 11 may also be made of a conductor (e.g., metal). When the knurled click 11 is made of an insulator, the insulator that makes up the knurled click 11 is not limited and can be appropriately selected from, for example, resins known for medical use (biocompatible resins, such as polycarbonate resin).

[0081] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the knurled click 11 is annular. That is, the knurled click 11 is a cylindrical member. However, the cross-sectional shape of the knurled click 11 is not limited to annular and may be, for example, polygonal.

[0082] There is no limitation on the method for joining the knurled click 11, the knurled cylinder 12, and the conductor pipe 13. In this embodiment, the knurled click 11, the knurled cylinder 12, and the conductor pipe 13 are joined (bonded) together using a resin adhesive.

[0083] The knurled click 11 , together with the knurled cylinder 12 , fits into the distal end of the grip 100 to join the probe 10 to the grip 100 .

[0084] It is preferable that the cross section of the knurled click 11 has a circular shape. Since the cross section of the knurled click 11 has a circular shape and the cross section of the distal end of the grip 100 that fits with the knurled cylinder 12 and the knurled click 11 has a circular shape, the orientation of the probe 10 relative to the grip 100, that is, the orientation around the central axis of the probe 10, can be freely rotated. In other words, the orientation of the active electrodes 14, 17 can be freely rotated around the axis.

[0085] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), slits 122 and 123 are formed in the side wall of the knurled cylinder 12, cutting from the distal end of the knurled cylinder 12. The slits 122 and 123 are linear slits formed parallel to the direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the knurled cylinder 12 (positive direction of the Z axis). The slits 122 and 123 are formed at positions that are two-fold rotationally symmetric about the central axis. That is, the slits 122 and 123 are formed at positions that are 180° apart from each other about the central axis.

[0086] Furthermore, a cylindrical protrusion 124 is formed in a region of the side wall of the knurled cylinder 12 near the distal end (see FIG. 2(a)). Although not shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), another protrusion having the same shape as the protrusion 124 is formed in a region of the side wall of the knurled cylinder 12 facing the protrusion 124. The protrusion 124 and the other protrusion are formed at positions that are two-fold rotationally symmetric about the central axis. That is, the protrusion 124 and the other protrusion are formed at positions that differ by 180° about the central axis. Furthermore, the slits 122 and 123 are formed at positions that differ by 90° from the protrusion 124 and the other protrusion about the central axis.

[0087] Protrusions 2123 and 2124 of the tubular conductor mover 212, which will be described later, are fitted into the slits 122 and 123. As a result, when the knurled selector 211 is translated along the Z-axis direction, the tubular conductor mover 212, which translates along the Z-axis direction together with the knurled selector 211, can translate without rotating about the central axis. Furthermore, when the knurled selector 211 is rotated about the central axis, the tubular conductor mover 212 does not rotate about the central axis or translate. In other words, even when the knurled selector 211 is rotated, the tubular conductor mover 212 does not move. These movements of the tubular conductor mover 212 are achieved by connecting the knurled selector 211 and the tubular conductor mover 212 via a first tube mover 213 and a second tube mover 214, which will be described later. The first and second cylindrical movers 213 and 214 are configured to transmit a force along the Z-axis direction between the knurled selector 211 and the conductor tube mover 212, but not to transmit a force along a direction around the central axis (the circumferential direction of the knurled selector 211, whose cross section has an annular shape). These configurations will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0088] Furthermore, the protrusion 124 is fitted into a guide groove 2111 of the knurled selector 211, which will be described later. Similarly, another protrusion is fitted into a guide groove 2112 of the knurled selector 211, which will be described later. According to these configurations, when the knurled selector 211 is translated and rotated, the movement of the knurled selector 211 is regulated by the guide grooves 2111, 2112, which are fitted together, the protrusion 124, and the other protrusion. These configurations will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0089] (conductor tube) The conductor pipes 13 and 16 are both cylindrical members made of metal (stainless steel in this embodiment). The conductor pipes 13 and 16 can also be considered as pipes (round pipes in this embodiment) that run from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0090] The metals constituting the conductor tubes 13 and 16 are not limited and can be appropriately selected from metals known for medical use, for example. Metals known for medical use can also be referred to as metals that are biocompatible. The conductor tubes 13 and 16 are examples of a first conductor tube and a second conductor tube, respectively. An active electrode 14 is provided at the tip of the conductor tube 13 in electrical conduction with the conductor tube 13. An active electrode 17 is provided at the tip of the conductor tube 16 in electrical conduction with the conductor tube 16.

[0091] 5, the section S15 of the active electrode 14 that spans over the electrode 20 is covered with the heat-shrinkable tube 15. Similarly, the section S18 of the active electrode 17 that spans over the electrode 20 is covered with the heat-shrinkable tube 18.

[0092] The outer diameter of the conductor pipe 13 is designed to be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the conductor pipe 16, but slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the conductor pipe 16. Therefore, the conductor pipe 13 can pass through the internal space of the conductor pipe 16. According to this configuration, the conductor pipes 13 and 16 are provided in a state of mutual conduction and are arranged coaxially with each other.

[0093] As described above, the conductor tube 13 is adhered to the knurled cylinder 12 and the knurled click 11 while passing through the through-hole 1251. The knurled cylinder 12 and the knurled click 11 are joined to the distal end of the grip 100. Therefore, the relative positions of the conductor tube 13 and the active electrode 14 with respect to the grip 100 do not change in either the first state or the second state. In other words, even when the switching mechanism 21, which will be described later, switches between the first state and the second state, the positions of the conductor tube 13 and the active electrode 14 are fixed.

[0094] The conductor tube 16 is disposed coaxially with the conductor tube 13 so as to surround the conductor tube 13, and is therefore capable of translational movement in a direction parallel to the central axis of the conductor tube 13 (the z-axis direction). Therefore, unlike the conductor tube 13 and the active electrode 14, whose relative positions with respect to the grip 100 are fixed, the conductor tube 16 and the active electrode 17 can change their relative positions with respect to the grip 100 in the z-axis direction by switching between a first state and a second state. Note that a structure for changing the relative positions of the conductor tube 16 and the active electrode 17 with respect to the grip 100 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0095] The central axis of the conductor tube 13 and the central axis of the probe 10 coincide with each other.

[0096] Furthermore, when the probe 10 is joined to the grip 100 to configure the electric scalpel 1, the proximal end of the conductor tube 13 is inserted into the grip 100. Inside the grip 100, the proximal end of the conductor tube 13 is connected to a power supply line via, for example, a control board. Also, inside the grip 100, a suction tube, a water supply tube, and a smoke exhaust tube are connected to the proximal end of the conductor tube 13.

[0097] (Cylinder and second electrode) The tube 19 is a cylindrical member made of an insulator (resin in this embodiment) and is hollow. The tube 19 can also be considered a pipe (round pipe in this embodiment) that runs from the proximal end to the distal end. The insulator that makes up the tube 19 is not limited and can be appropriately selected from, for example, resins known for medical use (biocompatible resins, such as polycarbonate resin). An electrode 20 made of metal (stainless steel in this embodiment) is provided at the tip 191 of the tube 19. The metal that makes up the electrode 20 is not limited and can be appropriately selected from, for example, metals known for medical use (biocompatible metals).

[0098] The tube 19 is configured to house the active electrodes 14, 17 and the conductor tubes 13, 16. In this embodiment, the tube 19 is coaxial with the conductor tubes 13, 16 and is disposed so as to surround the outside of the conductor tubes 13, 16. Therefore, the tube 19 and the electrode 20 can translate in a direction parallel to the central axis of the conductor tube 13 (the Z-axis direction). Therefore, unlike the conductor tube 13 and the active electrode 14, whose relative positions with respect to the grip 100 are fixed, the tube 19 and the electrode 20 can change their relative positions with respect to the grip 100 in the Z-axis direction by switching between a first state and a second state. Note that a structure for changing the relative positions of the tube 19 and the electrode 20 with respect to the grip 100 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0099] (Internal space of the conductor tube and tube) As described above, each of the conductor tubes 13, 16 and the cylinder 19 is a pipe that penetrates from the proximal end to the distal end. Furthermore, the cylinder 19 is coaxial with the conductor tubes 13, 16 and is disposed so as to surround the outside of the conductor tubes 13, 16. Furthermore, a ring-shaped electrode 20 is provided at the tip of the cylinder 19.

[0100] Furthermore, the proximal ends of the conductor tubes 13, 16, the tube 19, and the electrode 20 are formed by the conductor tube 13, and the distal ends of the conductor tubes 13, 16, and the tube 19 are formed by the electrode 20 (see each diagram in FIG. 4). In this way, in the probe 10, the internal spaces of the conductor tubes 13, 16, and the tube 19 are connected over the entire length from the proximal end to the distal end. Therefore, the probe 10 can use the internal spaces of the conductor tubes 13, 16, the tube 19, and the electrode 20 to suck and evacuate smoke from the patient's body, and to supply water into the patient's body.

[0101] (Switching mechanism) As shown in FIG. 2, the switching mechanism 21 includes a knurled selector 211, a conductor tube mover 212, a first cylinder mover 213, and a second cylinder mover 214.

[0102] The knurled selector 211 is a cylindrical member made of an insulator (resin in this embodiment) and is a hollow cylindrical member. The insulator constituting the knurled selector 211 is not limited, and can be appropriately selected from, for example, resins known for medical use (biocompatible resins, such as polycarbonate resin).

[0103] In this embodiment, the cross section of the knurled selector 211 has an annular shape. That is, the knurled selector 211 is a cylindrical member. The knurled selector 211 is arranged coaxially with the knurled click 11, the knurled cylinder 12, the conductor tube 13, and the conductor tube 16 so as to surround the knurled cylinder 12.

[0104] The inner diameter of the knurled selector 211 is designed to be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the knurled cylinder 12, but slightly larger than the outer diameter of the knurled cylinder 12. Therefore, the knurled selector 211 can translate along the outer surface of the knurled cylinder 12 in a direction parallel to the central axis of the knurled cylinder 12 (Z-axis direction).

[0105] Furthermore, a tapered section is provided in the section including the distal end of the knurled selector 211, in which the inner diameter decreases as the section approaches the distal end. Therefore, the inner diameter of the knurled selector 211 at the distal end is smaller than the inner diameter of the knurled selector 211 at the proximal end.

[0106] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) and 3(a) to 3(c), roughly L-shaped guide grooves 2111 and 2112 are formed on the side wall of the knurled selector 211. The guide grooves 2111 and 2112 are formed at positions that are two-fold rotationally symmetric about the central axis. In other words, the guide grooves 2111 and 2112 have the same shape when the side wall of the knurled selector 211 is viewed from the outside in the radial direction, and are formed at positions that are 180° apart from each other about the central axis.

[0107] The shapes of the guide grooves 2111 and 2112 will be described below using the guide groove 2111 as an example. As described above, the shape of the guide groove 2111 is roughly L-shaped. That is, the guide groove 2111 is configured by combining a first groove that is linear and relatively long with a second groove that is linear and relatively short.

[0108] 3(a) and 3(b), the direction in which the first grooves extend (hereinafter referred to as the first direction) is roughly parallel to the direction of the central axis (Z-axis direction), but is slightly tilted within the plane of the side wall of the knurled selector 211. In addition, the direction in which the second grooves extend (hereinafter referred to as the second direction) coincides with the direction around the central axis (the circumferential direction of the knurled selector 211, whose cross section has an annular shape).

[0109] In the guide groove 2111 configured in this manner, the distal end of the first groove is referred to as point P1, the proximal end of the first groove and the intersection point between the first groove and the second groove is referred to as point P2, and the end of the second groove opposite point P2 is referred to as point P3. (a) to (c) of Fig. 3 each illustrate a state in which the knurled selector 211 is operated so that the protrusion 124 is positioned at point P1 to point P3, respectively. (a) to (c) of Fig. 4 each are cross-sectional views corresponding to (a) to (c) of Fig. 3, respectively, and (a) to (c) of Fig. 5 each are enlarged cross-sectional views corresponding to (a) to (c) of Fig. 3, respectively.

[0110] Here, it is assumed that the side wall of the knurled selector 211 is developed on a plane. In this case, the angle between the first direction and the second direction in the guide groove 2111 developed on the plane is an obtuse angle. As will be described in detail later, in the probe 10, the relative position of the active electrode 17 with respect to the electrode 20 in the Z-axis direction can be changed by rotating the knurled selector 211 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is designed so that when the protrusion 124 is located at point P1 (see FIG. 3A), the active electrode 17 and the electrode 20 are separated (see FIG. 5A), and when the protrusion 124 is located at point P2 (see FIG. 3B), the active electrode 17 and the electrode 20 are in contact (see FIG. 5B). In this embodiment, to satisfy this requirement, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is set to 93°.

[0111] The conductor tube mover 212 is a cylindrical member made of an insulator (resin in this embodiment) and is a hollow cylindrical member. The insulator (resin in this embodiment) making up the conductor tube mover 212 is not limited, and can be appropriately selected from resins known for medical use (biocompatible resins, such as polycarbonate resin).

[0112] In this embodiment, the cross section of the conductor tube mover 212 has an annular shape. That is, the conductor tube mover 212 is a cylindrical member. The conductor tube mover 212 is surrounded by the knurled selector 211 and the knurled cylinder 12, and is arranged coaxially with the knurled click 11, the knurled cylinder 12, the conductor tubes 13, 16, and the knurled selector 211 so as to surround the conductor tubes 13 and 16.

[0113] A guide rod 2121 extending linearly in the negative direction of the Z axis is provided at the distal end of the cylindrical conductor tube slider 212, which is located on the lower side (positive X-axis side) in the state shown in Figure 2.

[0114] Furthermore, an annular flange 2122 is provided at the proximal end of the cylindrical conductor tube mover 212.

[0115] Furthermore, protrusions 2123 and 2124 are formed on the outer edge of flange 2122. Protrusions 2123 and 2124 are formed at positions that are two-fold rotationally symmetric about the central axis. In other words, protrusions 2123 and 2124 are formed at positions that are 180° apart from each other about the central axis.

[0116] The protrusions 2123 and 2124 are fitted into the slits 122 and 123, respectively. The slits 122 and 123 function as guide grooves for the protrusions 2123 and 2124. Therefore, the conductor tube mover 212 is only allowed to move in translation parallel to the Z-axis direction inside the knurled cylinder 12, and other movements are restricted.

[0117] A groove 2125 is formed on the outer surface of the side wall of the conductor tube mover 212 along the circumferential direction of the conductor tube mover 212. The position (position in the Z-axis direction) at which the groove 2125 is formed on the conductor tube mover 212 can be designed appropriately depending on the length of the claws 2131, 2132 of the first tube mover 213, which will be described later, and the like.

[0118] The inner diameter of the tubular conductor mover 212 is designed to be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the tubular conductor 16. A section including the proximal end of the tubular conductor 16 is inserted into the internal space of the tubular conductor mover 212, and the tubular conductor mover 212 and the tubular conductor 16 are bonded together. Note that by designing the inner diameter of the tubular conductor mover 212 to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tubular conductor 16, it is also possible to press-fit the section including the proximal end of the tubular conductor 16 into the internal space of the tubular conductor mover 212.

[0119] In this embodiment, the relative positions of the tubular conductor mover 212 and the tubular conductor 16 are determined so that the proximal end of the flange 2122 coincides with the proximal end of the tubular conductor 16. However, it is sufficient that the tubular conductor mover 212 and the tubular conductor 16 are fixed, and the relative positions can be determined appropriately.

[0120] The first cylindrical moving element 213 is a cylindrical member made of an insulator (resin in this embodiment) and is a hollow cylindrical member. The insulator (resin in this embodiment) making up the first cylindrical moving element 213 is not limited, and can be appropriately selected from resins known for medical use (biocompatible resins, such as polycarbonate resin).

[0121] In this embodiment, the cross section of the first cylindrical mover 213 has an annular shape. That is, the first cylindrical mover 213 is a cylindrical member. The first cylindrical mover 213 is surrounded by the knurled selector 211 and the knurled cylinder 12, and is arranged coaxially with the knurled selector 211, the knurled cylinder 12, the tubular conductors 13, 16, the tubular conductor mover 212, and the second cylindrical mover 214, which will be described later, so as to surround the tubular conductors 13, 16, the tubular conductor mover 212, and the second cylindrical mover 214, which will be described later.

[0122] Furthermore, a pair of claws 2132 are provided at the proximal end of the first cylindrical mover 213. Each of the pair of claws 2132 is a rod-shaped member extending from the proximal end of the first cylindrical mover 213 in the positive direction of the Z axis. A wedge-shaped protrusion for hooking into the groove 2125 is formed on each of the pair of claws 2132. As the protrusions of the pair of claws 2132 are hooked into the groove 2125, the first cylindrical mover 213 transmits a force along the Z axis direction to the conductor tube mover 212, but does not transmit a force along the direction around the central axis (the circumferential direction of the groove 2125).

[0123] Furthermore, the distal end of the first barrel mover 213 is joined (adhered in this embodiment) to the distal end of the knurled selector 211. The relative positions of the first barrel mover 213 and the knurled selector 211 are determined so that their respective distal ends coincide with each other. However, it is sufficient that the first barrel mover 213 and the knurled selector 211 are fixed, and the relative positions can be determined appropriately.

[0124] According to these configurations, when the knurled selector 211 is translated parallel to the Z-axis direction, the tubular conductor mover 212 and the first cylinder mover 213 translate parallel to the Z-axis direction together with the knurled selector 211. On the other hand, when the knurled selector 211 is rotationally moved in a direction around the central axis (in the circumferential direction of the knurled selector 211, whose cross section has an annular shape), the first cylinder mover 213 rotates together with the knurled selector 211, but the tubular conductor mover 212 does not rotate.

[0125] Furthermore, a pair of spiral grooves 2132 are formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the first cylindrical mover 213. Each of the pair of grooves 2132 is formed at a position that is two-fold rotationally symmetric about the central axis. That is, each of the pair of grooves 2132 is formed at a position that is 180° apart from the central axis.

[0126] A pair of protrusions 2141 of the second barrel moving element 214, which will be described later, are fitted into each of the pair of grooves 2132.

[0127] The second cylindrical moving element 214 is a cylindrical member made of an insulator (resin in this embodiment) and is a hollow cylindrical member. The insulator (resin in this embodiment) making up the second cylindrical moving element 214 is not limited, and can be appropriately selected from resins known for medical use (biocompatible resins, such as polycarbonate resin).

[0128] In this embodiment, the cross section of the second cylindrical mover 214 has an annular shape. That is, the second cylindrical mover 214 is a cylindrical member. The second cylindrical mover 214 is surrounded by the knurled selector 211, the first cylindrical mover 213, and the knurled cylinder 12, and is arranged coaxially with the knurled click 11, the knurled cylinder 12, the tubular conductor 13, the tubular conductor 16, the knurled selector 211, the tubular conductor mover 212, and the first cylindrical mover 213 so as to surround the tubular conductors 13 and 16.

[0129] A pair of protrusions 2141 are formed on the outer surface of the side wall of second cylindrical moving element 214. Each of the pair of protrusions 2141 is formed at a position that is two-fold rotationally symmetric about the central axis. That is, each of the pair of protrusions 2141 is formed at a position that is 180° different from the central axis.

[0130] The inner diameter of the second barrel mover 214 is designed to be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the barrel 19. A section including the proximal end of the barrel 19 is inserted into the internal space of the second barrel mover 214, and the second barrel mover 214 and the barrel 19 are bonded together. Note that by designing the inner diameter of the second barrel mover 214 to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the barrel 19, it is also possible to press-fit the section including the proximal end of the barrel 19 into the internal space of the second barrel mover 214.

[0131] In this embodiment, the relative position of the second barrel mover 214 and the barrel 19 is determined so that the proximal end of the second barrel mover 214 coincides with the proximal end of the barrel 19. However, the second barrel mover 214 and the barrel 19 only need to be fixed, and the relative position can be determined as appropriate.

[0132] A guide groove 2142 is formed in the side wall of the second tube mover 214, parallel to the central axis, and penetrating from the proximal end to the distal end of the second tube mover 214. A guide rod 2121 of the tubular conductor mover 212 is fitted into the groove 2142. Therefore, the degree of freedom of movement of the tubular conductor mover 212 is restricted by the guide rod 2121 to translational movement parallel to the Z-axis direction. In other words, the tubular conductor mover 212 cannot rotate around the central axis.

[0133] As described above, each of the pair of protrusions 2141 is fitted into each of the pair of grooves 2132, and the grooves 2142 are fitted into the guide rod 2121. In the switching mechanism 21 configured in this manner, the pair of grooves 2132 function as guides for the pair of protrusions 2141, and the guide rod 2121 functions as a guide for the second barrel moving element 214. Because the pair of grooves 2132 are spiral grooves as described above and the second barrel moving element 214 cannot rotate in a direction around the central axis, the switching mechanism 21 converts the rotational movement of the first barrel moving element 213 along the circumferential direction into translational movement of the second barrel moving element 214 parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0134] Here, the first tube moving element 213 is fixed to the knurled selector 211, and the second tube moving element 214 is fixed to an area including the proximal end of the tube 19, so that the switching mechanism 21 converts the rotational movement of the knurled selector 211 along the circumferential direction into a translational movement parallel to the Z-axis direction of the tube 19.

[0135] Specifically, when the probe 10 is viewed from the negative Z-axis side, rotating the knurled selector 211 clockwise causes the cylinder 19 to translate in the positive Z-axis direction, and rotating the knurled selector 211 counterclockwise causes the cylinder 19 to translate in the negative Z-axis direction. Note that, hereinafter, translational movement of the members constituting the probe 10 toward the distal end will also be referred to as "advancement," and translational movement toward the proximal end will also be referred to as "retraction."

[0136] Furthermore, when the knurled selector 211 is translated parallel to the Z-axis direction, the conductor tube mover 212, the first tube mover 213, and the second tube mover 214 translate parallel to the Z-axis direction together with the knurled selector 211. The first tube mover 213 is fixed to the knurled selector 211, and the relative positions of the conductor tube mover 212 and the second tube mover 214 with respect to the first tube mover 213 do not change. Therefore, the switching mechanism 21 transmits the force parallel to the Z-axis direction acting on the knurled selector 211 to the conductor tube 16 and the tube 19 as a force parallel to the Z-axis direction as is. Therefore, the switching mechanism 21 can translate the conductor tube 16 and the tube 19 parallel to the Z-axis direction by translating the knurled selector 211 parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0137] (Switching mechanism operation) Figures 3(a), 4(a), and 5(a) illustrate a state in which the knurled selector 211 has been operated so that the protrusion 124 of the knurled cylinder 12 is positioned at point P1. Figures 3(b), 4(b), and 5(b) illustrate a state in which the knurled selector 211 has been operated so that the protrusion 124 is positioned at point P2. Figures 3(c), 4(c), and 5(c) illustrate a state in which the knurled selector 211 has been operated so that the protrusion 124 is positioned at point P3.

[0138] The state in which the protrusion 124 is located at point P1 is an example of a first state in which the active electrode 14, which is one of the first electrodes, protrudes from the electrode 20. The state in which the protrusion 124 is located at point P2 is an example of a second state in which the active electrodes 14, 17, which are first electrodes, are stored in the electrode 20. The state in which the protrusion 124 is located at point P3 is an example of a first state in which the active electrode 17, which is the other first electrode, protrudes from the electrode 20. In the following, in order to distinguish between the two first states, the state in which the protrusion 124 is located at point P1 will be referred to as a first state α, and the state in which the protrusion 124 is located at point P2 will be referred to as a first state β.

[0139] First, a description will be given of the case where the switching mechanism 21 is in the first state α. As described above, the conductor tube 13 is fixed to the knurled cylinder 12, and the active electrode 14 is provided in a conductive state at the tip of the conductor tube 13. Therefore, when the knurled cylinder 12 is fixed, the active electrode 14 is also fixed.

[0140] When the switching mechanism 21 is in the first state α, the knurled selector 211, the first tube mover 213, and the conductor tube mover 212 are configured to be at their most backward position (located furthest toward the positive Z-axis direction), and the relative relationship between the tube 19 and the electrode 20 and the conductor tube 16 and the active electrode 17 is configured to be at their most forward position (located furthest toward the negative Z-axis direction).

[0141] The size of each component of the probe 10 is designed so that in the first state α, the active electrode 14 protrudes from the electrode 20, and the active electrode 17 is stored in an insulated state within the internal space of the tube 19 and electrode 20 (see FIGS. 3(a), 4(a), and 5(a)). Referring to FIG. 4(a), it can be seen that by moving the tube 19 and electrode 20 relative to the conductor tube 16 and active electrode 17 to their most advanced positions, the distal end of the second tube mover 214 coincides with the distal end of the first tube mover 213. In this way, the relative position of the electrode 20 relative to the active electrode 17 is moved to its most advanced position in the first state α.

[0142] 5(a), a section S15 of the active electrode 14 that spans the electrode 20 is covered with a heat-shrinkable tube 15. The active electrode 17 is spaced apart from the electrode 20. Therefore, in the first state α, the active electrodes 14 and 17 (first electrodes) are insulated from the electrode 20 (second electrode).

[0143] Next, a case where the switching mechanism 21 is in the second state will be described. When transitioning the switching mechanism 21 from the first state α to the second state, the surgeon advances the knurled selector 211 by a distance Z1 (see arrow A in FIG. 3(b)). At this time, since the angle between the first direction and the second direction in the guide groove 2111 of the knurled selector 211 is designed to be an obtuse angle, the knurled selector 211 automatically rotates slightly around the central axis, that is, in the clockwise direction when viewed from the negative side of the Z axis (see arrow B in FIG. 3(b)).

[0144] The switching mechanism 21 is configured such that, in the second state, the knurled selector 211, the first tube mover 213, and the conductor tube mover 212 are moved forward to the maximum extent, and the relative relationship of the tube 19 and the electrode 20 to the conductor tube 16 and the active electrode 17 is slightly further back than in the first state α.

[0145] In this way, because an obtuse angle is used as the angle between the first direction and the second direction, when the knurled selector 211 is moved so that the protrusion 124 moves from point P1 (see FIG. 3(a)) to point P2 (see FIG. 3(b)), the knurled selector 211 translates by a distance Z1 in the negative direction of the Z axis while also rotating slightly in the circumferential direction (clockwise when the distal end of the probe 10 is viewed from the negative side of the Z axis). The distance by which the electrode 20 retracts due to this rotational movement is shown as a distance ΔZ in FIG. 3(b). Therefore, the position of the distal end of the electrode 20 in the second state advances by a distance Z1-ΔZ compared to the position of the distal end of the electrode 20 in the first state α.

[0146] The size of each component of the probe 10 is designed so that in the second state, the active electrodes 14, 17 are housed in the tube 19 and the electrode 20, and the active electrode 17 is in contact with the electrode 20 (see FIGS. 3(b), 4(b), and 5(b)). Referring to FIG. 4(b), it can be seen that by moving the tube 19 and the electrode 20 relative to the conductor tube 16 and the active electrode 17 slightly further back than in the first state α, the distal end of the second tube mover 214 is slightly retracted from the distal end of the first tube mover 213. In this way, the relative relationship of the electrode 20 relative to the active electrode 17 is slightly retracted in the second state compared to the first state α.

[0147] 5(b), the active electrode 17 is in contact with the electrode 20. That is, in the second state, the active electrode 17 (first electrode) and the electrode 20 (second electrode) are electrically connected. Note that the active electrodes 14 and 17 are always electrically connected via the conductor tubes 13 and 16, and therefore, in the second state, the active electrodes 14, 17 and the electrode 20 are all electrically connected.

[0148] In order to realize the above-described transition from the first state α to the second state, the positions of points P1 and P2 on the knurled selector 211 are important, and the path connecting points P1 and P2 is not limited. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be designed to be at an angle of 90°, and the guide groove 2111 may be designed so that the knurled selector 211 rotates clockwise after moving forward. In this case, the shape of the guide groove 2111 developed on a plane is crank-shaped.

[0149] However, by designing the angle between the first direction and the second direction to be an obtuse angle, the rotational movement is reliably performed when the knurled selector 211 is moved forward, thereby ensuring electrical continuity between the active electrode 17 and the electrode 20.

[0150] Next, a case where the switching mechanism 21 is in the first state β will be described. When the switching mechanism 21 is transitioned from the second state to the first state β, the surgeon rotates the knurled selector 211 around the central axis, that is, in the clockwise direction when viewed from the negative side of the Z axis (see arrow C in (c) of FIG. 3).

[0151] The switching mechanism 21 is configured such that, in the first state β, the knurled selector 211, the first barrel mover 213, and the tubular conductor mover 212 move forward to the maximum extent, and the barrel 19 and the electrode 20 move further back relative to the tubular conductor 16 and the active electrode 17 than in the second state. The distance Z2 of retraction when comparing the second state with the first state β can be appropriately designed within the range in which the active electrode 17 protrudes from the barrel 19 and the electrode 20.

[0152] The size of each component of the probe 10 is designed so that in the first state β, the active electrode 17 protrudes from the electrode 20, and the active electrode 14 is stored in an insulated state within the internal space of the tube 19 and electrode 20 (see FIGS. 3(c), 4(c), and 5(c)). Referring to FIG. 4(c), it can be seen that by moving the tube 19 and electrode 20 relative to the conductor tube 16 and active electrode 17 back by a distance Z2, the second tube mover 214 is brought significantly closer to the proximal end of the first tube mover 213. In this way, the relative relationship of the electrode 20 relative to the active electrode 17 is moved back the most in the first state β.

[0153] 5(c), a section S18 of the active electrode 17 that spans across the electrode 20 is covered with a heat-shrinkable tube 15. The active electrode 14 and the electrode 20 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, in the first state β, the active electrodes 14 and 17 (first electrodes) are insulated from the electrode 20 (second electrode).

[0154] As described above, when the switching mechanism 21 switches between the first state and the second state in the probe 10, the positions of the conductor tube 13 and the active electrode 14 are fixed. Here, the switching mechanism 21 (1) translates the tube 19 and the electrode 20 along the Z-axis direction when switching to the second state so that the active electrode 17 and the electrode 20 are electrically connected; (2) When switching to the first state in which the active electrode 14 protrudes from the electrode 20, the active electrode 17, the tube 19, and the electrode 20 are translated along the Z-axis direction so that the active electrode 17 and the electrode 20 are not electrically connected; (3) When switching to the first state in which the active electrode 17 protrudes from the electrode 20, the tube 19 and the electrode 20 are translated along the Z-axis direction so that the active electrode 14 and the electrode 20 are not electrically connected.

[0155] (Modification of the switching mechanism) The probe 10 is designed to be used with an electric scalpel 1 used in endoscopic surgery. Therefore, the switching mechanism 21 employs a manual switching system in which the operator manually switches between the first state and the second state. This allows the operator to intuitively operate the mechanism and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0156] On the other hand, a modified example of the switching mechanism 21 may employ an electrically driven switching system such as a stepping motor. Also, when one aspect of the probe 10 is intended to be applied to a surgical robot hand, a modified example of the switching mechanism 21 may employ an electrically driven switching system such as a stepping motor. The electrically driven switching mechanism 21 allows the first state and the second state to be easily switched over even when the surgeon remotely controls the mechanism.

[0157] [Embodiment 2] A probe 30 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. The probe 30 is compatible with the probe 10 and is configured so as to be attachable to the grip 100 of the electric scalpel 1. The electric scalpel 1 equipped with the probe 30 is also one aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, one aspect of the probe 30 may be configured so as to be attachable to a robot hand equipped in a surgical robot. A robot hand equipped with a probe according to one aspect of the probe 30, a robot arm equipped with the robot hand, and a surgical robot equipped with the robot arm are also one aspect of the present invention.

[0158] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the probe 30 in a longitudinal section. Fig. 7(a) and (b) are enlarged cross-sectional views of the probe 30 in a longitudinal section. Fig. 7(a) shows a second state in which the active electrode 34 is housed in the electrode 40 and the tube 39, and Fig. 7(b) shows a first state in which the active electrode 34 protrudes from the electrode 40 and the tube 39. The Cartesian coordinate systems shown in Figs. 6 and 7 are defined in the same way as the Cartesian coordinate system shown in Fig. 1(a).

[0159] While probe 10 includes two active electrodes 14 and 17 as first electrodes, probe 30 includes one active electrode 34 as a first electrode. Active electrode 34 can be considered a component corresponding to active electrode 14 in probe 10. Therefore, probe 30 can be said to have a configuration based on probe 10, but omitting the second active electrode. In other words, probe 30 can be said to be a modified version of probe 10.

[0160] In the following, probe 30 will be regarded as a modified example of probe 10, and the correspondence between each component of probe 30 and each component of probe 10 will be explained. Explanations of the configurations of probe 30 that are similar to those of probe 10 will be omitted, and only the configurations of probe 30 that are different from those of probe 10 will be explained.

[0161] <Probe configuration> 6, the probe 30 includes a knurled click 31, a slider 32, a conductor tube 33, an active electrode 34, a tube 39, and an electrode 40. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the probe 30 further includes a heat-shrinkable tube 35.

[0162] The knurled click 31, slider 32, conductor tube 33, active electrode 34, heat shrink tube 35, tube 39, and electrode 40 provided in the probe 30 correspond to the knurled click 11, knurled cylinder 12, conductor tube 13, active electrode 14, heat shrink tube 15, tube 19, and electrode 20 provided in the probe 10, respectively. The slider 32 is one aspect of a switching mechanism. The slider 32, which is the switching mechanism of the probe 30, has a simpler configuration than the switching mechanism 21 of the probe 10.

[0163] The probe 30 includes one active electrode 34 (also referred to as the first electrode), an insulating tube 39 that houses the active electrode 34, an electrode 40 (also referred to as the second electrode) provided at the tip of the tube 39, and a switching mechanism (slider 32) that switches between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the active electrode 34 protrudes from the electrode 40 and the tube 39 (see FIG. 7(b)), and the second state is a state in which the active electrode 34 is housed within the electrode 40 and the tube 39 (see FIG. 7(a)). The active electrode 34 and the electrode 40 are configured to be insulated from each other in the first state and to be conductive in the second state.

[0164] The conductor tube 33 is an example of a third conductor tube, and is configured similarly to the conductor tube 13 in the probe 10. An active electrode 34 is provided in a conductive state at the tip of the conductor tube 33. The tube 39 is configured similarly to the tube 19 in the probe 10. The tube 39 is coaxial with the conductor tube 33 and is disposed outside the conductor tube 33. When the slider 32 switches between the first state and the second state, the positions of the conductor tube 33 and the active electrode 34 are fixed.

[0165] The active electrode 34 is a component corresponding to the active electrode 14 of the probe 10. However, while the active electrode 14 has a shape called a spatula or a spatula, the active electrode 34 has a shape called a hook or a right angle. In this embodiment, the active electrode 34 is formed by molding a rod-shaped member made of metal (specifically, stainless steel) (see FIGS. 7(a) and (b)).

[0166] The shape of the active electrode 34 will now be described. First, the region including the tip of the active electrode 34 is bent so that the tip approaches a part of the electrode 40. In this embodiment, the active electrode 34 is bent at about 90° at a point about 4 mm from the tip.

[0167] Furthermore, a short-circuit section 342 formed into a crank shape by bending two points is provided in a portion of the section of the active electrode 34 housed in the tube 39. At the bending point on the proximal end side, the rod-shaped member constituting the active electrode 34 is bent in a direction away from the central axis of the tube 39 (the positive X-axis direction in FIG. 7), and at the bending point on the distal end side, the rod-shaped member is bent in a direction toward the central axis (the negative X-axis direction in FIG. 7). The section before the bending point on the proximal end side and the section beyond the bending point on the distal end side are coaxial. Furthermore, the section between the bending point on the proximal end side and the bending point on the distal end side is eccentric in a direction away from the central axis of the tube 39.

[0168] The heat shrink tube 35 is a component corresponding to the heat shrink tube 15 of the probe 10. However, the heat shrink tube 35 is divided into a first tube 351 and a second tube 352 to expose the short-circuit portion 342. The first tube 351 is arranged to cover the section from the bending point on the proximal end side to the front, and the second tube 352 is arranged to cover the section from the bending point on the distal end side to the rear. The distal end of the second tube 352 is located before the point where the active electrode 34 is bent 90 degrees.

[0169] In the active electrode 34 configured in this manner, the area including the tip and exposed beyond the second tube 352 is referred to as the current-carrying area 341. The current-carrying area 341 is not covered by the heat-shrinkable tube 35, and therefore electrical energy can be applied to the affected area.

[0170] Electrode 40 is a component corresponding to electrode 20 of probe 10. However, electrode 20 and electrode 40 differ in the manner in which they are electrically connected to the active electrode. Here, the difference in shape between electrode 40 and electrode 20, which is due to the difference in the manner in which they are electrically connected, will be described.

[0171] 5, electrode 20 includes a protruding portion protruding from tip 191 of tube 19 and a base portion extending from tip 191 into the interior of tube 19 along the inner wall of tube 19. Similarly, electrode 40 includes a protruding portion 401 protruding from tip 391 of tube 39 and a base portion 402 extending from tip 391 into the interior of tube 39 along the inner wall of tube 39.

[0172] The bases of these second electrodes are used to fix the second electrodes to the tip of the tube. However, in probe 30, base 402 is also used to switch between the first state and the second state. Therefore, base 402 is longer in the direction along the central axis (Z-axis direction) than the base of electrode 20 (see FIG. 7).

[0173] In addition, in the section on the distal end side of the base portion 402 (the section close to the protrusion 401), a slit 403 is formed which is longer (length along the Z-axis direction) than the short-circuit portion 342 and wider (length along the Y-axis direction) than the diameter of the rod-shaped member constituting the active electrode 34.

[0174] Furthermore, the section of the base portion 402 on the proximal end side, which is located before 403 , is configured to be longer than the length of the short-circuit portion 342 .

[0175] The slider 32 includes a cap 321 and a slide limiter 322 (see FIG. 6).

[0176] Cap 321 is a cylindrical member with a circular cross section. However, the inner diameter of the opening at the distal end is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening at the proximal end. The inner diameter of cap 321 at the distal end is approximately equal to the outer diameter of tube 39, but is slightly larger than the outer diameter of tube 39.

[0177] The slide limiter 322 is a cylindrical member made of an insulator (resin in this embodiment) and is a hollow cylindrical member. The insulator that makes up the slide limiter 322 is not limited, and can be appropriately selected from resins known for medical use (biocompatible resins, such as polycarbonate resin).

[0178] 6, a section including the distal end of the knurled click 31 is designed to have a larger outer diameter than the other sections of the knurled click 31. In addition, the inner diameter of the section including the distal end of the slide limiter 322 is designed to be larger than the inner diameter of the other sections of the slide limiter 322.

[0179] The outer diameter of a section (thick section) including the distal end of the knurled click 31 is designed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of a section (thick section) including the distal end of the slide limiter 322, and larger than the inner diameter of the other section (thin section) of the slide limiter 322. The outer diameter of the section (thin section) other than the thick section of the knurled click 31 is designed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the thin section of the slide limiter 322.

[0180] The slider 32, which includes the cap 321 and the slide limiter 322, is coaxial with the knurled click 31 and is disposed outside the knurled click 31. The thick section of the knurled click 31 is housed within the internal space of the thick section of the slide limiter 322. In addition, the cap 321 is joined to the proximal end of the slide limiter 322.

[0181] The proximal end of the tube 39 is inserted into the distal end of the cap 321, and the cap 321 and the tube 39 are joined (glued in this embodiment) to each other. The conductor tube 33 passes through the cap 321 and the knurled click 31. The knurled click 31 and the conductor tube 33 are joined (glued in this embodiment) to each other.

[0182] As described above, the tube 39 is coaxial with the conductor tube 33 and is disposed outside the conductor tube 33, so that the slider 32 can be translated in the axial direction of the central axis (a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction). By translating the slider 32 parallel to the Z-axis direction, the tube 39 and the electrode 40 also translate parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0183] Furthermore, the thick section of the knurled click 31 is housed in the internal space of the thick section of the slide limiter 322, and the thin section of the slide limiter 322 is provided on the proximal end side of the slide limiter 322. Therefore, the distance that the slider 32 can translate parallel to the Z-axis direction (equal to distance Z3, which will be described later) is equal to the difference between the length of the thick section of the slide limiter 322 and the length of the thick section of the knurled click 31.

[0184] 6 shows the probe 30 with the slider 32 and the barrel 39 positioned at the distal end side. In this state, the active electrode 34 is housed in the electrode 40 and the barrel 39 (see FIG. 7(a)).

[0185] 7(a), the short-circuiting portion 342 is located in a section of the base portion 402 that is closer to the proximal end than the slit 403. Therefore, the short-circuiting portion 342 and the base portion 402 are electrically connected, and therefore the active electrode 34 and the electrode 40 are electrically connected. Thus, the state shown in FIG. 7(a) is the first state.

[0186] When the slider 32 is translated from the first state shown in Fig. 7(a) as shown by arrow D in Fig. 6, the probe 30 reaches the state shown in Fig. 7(b). As described above, because the tube 39 is joined to the slider 32, the distance by which the slider 32 is translated is equal to the distance by which the tube 39 and the electrode 40 translate. In Figs. 7(a) and 7(b), the distance Z3 by which the tube 39 and the electrode 40 translate is shown.

[0187] In the state shown in FIG. 7(b), the short-circuiting portion 342 is located in the section of the root portion 402 where the slit 403 is formed. That is, the short-circuiting portion 342 faces the slit 403. Therefore, the short-circuiting portion 342 and the root portion 402 remain separated from each other, and the active electrode 34 and the electrode 40 are insulated from each other. In this way, the state shown in FIG. 7(a) is the second state.

[0188] As described above, when switching from the first state to the second state, the slider 32 translates the tube 39 and the electrode 40 parallel to the Z-axis direction so that the short-circuiting portion 342 and the base portion 402 of the electrode 40 come into contact with each other. Furthermore, when switching from the second state to the first state, the slider 32 translates the tube 39 and the electrode 40 parallel to the Z-axis direction so that the short-circuiting portion 342 and the slit 403 face each other. As a result, the short-circuiting portion 342 and the base portion 402 are separated from each other.

[0189] To achieve the second state, the probe 30 employs a configuration in which the short-circuit portion 342 of the active electrode 34 contacts the base portion 402 of the electrode 40 within the internal space of the tube 39. However, the configuration in which the active electrode 34 contacts the electrode 40 is not limited to this.

[0190] For example, one aspect of the probe 30 may employ a short-circuiting portion provided in the current-carrying region 341 including the tip of the active electrode 34, the short-circuiting portion having a bent tip that approaches a portion of the protruding portion 401 of the electrode 40. In this configuration, when switching from the first state to the second state, the slider 32 serving as the switching mechanism translates the tube 39 and the electrode 40 parallel to the Z-axis direction so that the short-circuiting portion contacts the protruding portion 401 of the electrode 40. Furthermore, when switching from the second state to the first state, the short-circuiting portion 342 translates the tube 39 and the electrode 40 parallel to the Z-axis direction so that the short-circuiting portion protrudes from the electrode 40 and the tube 39 and is separated from the electrode 40.

[0191] As in the case of probe 10, in probe 30, each of conductor tube 33 and cylinder 39 is a pipe that penetrates from the proximal end to the distal end. As in the case of probe 10, electrode 40 in probe 30 is annular when viewed in the axial direction of the central axis.

[0192] [Modifications of the active electrode] Modified examples of the active electrodes 14, 17 included in the probe 10 and the active electrode included in the probe 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows modified examples of the active electrodes 14, 17, and .

[0193] The active electrodes 14 and 17 are shaped like a spatula, a spatula, or a blade. A modified example of these types of active electrodes is shown in FIG.

[0194] The active electrode 34 has a type of shape known as a hook or right angle. The hook shape includes a rod-shaped member bent into an L shape, as in the active electrode 34, as well as a J shape. Modified examples of these types of active electrodes are shown in FIG. 8(b).

[0195] Modified examples of the active electrode include a type called a ball shown in Fig. 8(c), a type called a needle, tip, or burr shown in Fig. 8(d), a type called a loop shown in Fig. 8(e), and a type called a snare shown in Fig. 8(f). Active electrodes similar to the type called a ball also include those shaped like a bullet or a rugby ball.

[0196] The active electrode employed as the first electrode by the probe according to one aspect of the present invention can be appropriately selected from among these active electrodes of various shapes according to the type of surgery, the preference of the surgeon, and the like.

[0197] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the above-described first and second embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different first and second embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1 Electric scalpel 10,30 probe 13 Conductor pipe (first conductor pipe) 14 Active electrode (first active electrode, part of the first electrode) 16 Conductor pipe (second conductor pipe) 17 Active electrode (second active electrode, part of the first electrode) 34 Active electrode (first electrode) 342 Short circuit 19,39 tubes 191,391 tips 20,40 electrode (second electrode) 21 Switching mechanism 401 Protrusion 402 Root part 403 Slit

Claims

1. An electrosurgical probe, a first electrode, the first electrode being one or more active electrodes; a cylinder made of an insulating material that houses the active electrode; a second electrode provided at the tip of the tube; a switching mechanism that switches between a first state in which the first electrode protrudes from the second electrode and a second state in which the first electrode is housed in the tube and the second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to be insulated in the first state and to be conductive in the second state; The first electrode is composed of a first active electrode and a second active electrode, a first conductor tube having the first active electrode provided at its tip in a conductive state; a second conductor tube, the second active electrode being provided in a conductive state at a tip thereof and being conductive with the first conductor tube, the second conductor tube being arranged coaxially with the first conductor tube; the cylinder is coaxial with the first conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe and is disposed outside the first conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe; when the switching mechanism switches between the first state and the second state, positions of the first tubular conductor and the first active electrode are fixed, The switching mechanism is When switching to the second state, the cylinder and the second electrode are translated so that the second active electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected; When switching to the first state in which the first active electrode protrudes from the second electrode, the second active electrode, the cylinder, and the second electrode are translated so that the second active electrode and the second electrode are not electrically connected; When switching to the first state in which the second active electrode protrudes from the second electrode, the tube and the second electrode are translated so that the first active electrode and the second electrode are not electrically connected. A probe characterized by:

2. a surface area of ​​a portion of the second electrode that protrudes beyond the tip of the tube is larger than a surface area of ​​the active electrode; The probe according to claim 1 .

3. The first electrode is composed of a plurality of active electrodes, the switching mechanism, in the first state, selects one active electrode from the plurality of active electrodes and causes the selected active electrode to protrude from the tube and the second electrode; 3. The probe according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the first conductor pipe, the second conductor pipe, and the cylinder is a pipe extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The probe according to claim 1 .

5. The active electrodes each have a different shape. The probe according to claim 3 .

6. Each of the plurality of active electrodes has the same shape. The probe according to claim 3 .

7. An electrosurgical probe, a first electrode, the first electrode being one or more active electrodes; a cylinder made of an insulating material that houses the active electrode; a second electrode provided at the tip of the tube; a switching mechanism that switches between a first state in which the first electrode protrudes from the second electrode and a second state in which the first electrode is housed in the tube and the second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to be insulated in the first state and to be conductive in the second state; a short-circuit portion bent in a crank shape is provided in a portion of the section of the active electrode that is housed in the cylinder, In the first state, the short-circuit portion and the second electrode are spaced apart, and in the second state, the short-circuit portion and the second electrode are in contact with each other. A probe characterized by:

8. The first electrode is composed of one active electrode, The third conductive tube is provided at a tip end thereof, and the active electrode is electrically connected to the third conductive tube. the cylinder is coaxial with the third conductor pipe and is disposed outside the third conductor pipe; when the switching mechanism switches between the first state and the second state, positions of the third tubular conductor and the active electrode are fixed, the second electrode includes a tip portion protruding from the tip of the tube and a base portion extending from the tip of the tube along an inner wall of the tube into the tube, The switching mechanism is When switching to the second state, the cylinder and the second electrode are translated so that the short-circuit portion and the second electrode come into contact with each other; When switching to the first state, the cylinder and the second electrode are translated so that the short-circuit portion and the second electrode are separated from each other. The probe according to claim 7 .

9. Each of the third conductor tube and the cylinder is a pipe extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The probe according to claim 8 .

10. The second electrode is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the cylinder. The probe according to claim 1 or 7.

11. A probe according to claim 1 or 7, An electric scalpel characterized by:

12. A probe according to claim 1 or 7, A robotic hand characterized by:

13. The robot hand according to claim 12 is provided. A robotic arm characterized by:

14. A robot arm according to claim 13, A robot characterized by:

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